Michelle: I currently live in
Adelphi, Maryland and I have
lived in Prince George’s County,
Maryland all of my life.
DomiCile: When was the
moment that you knew inside
that you were an artist?
Michelle: I never really felt inside
that I was an artist, I just realized
that I saw things differently, and
that there is beauty in the simplest
of things. Creating, for me, is
connecting with that beauty and
expressing it through art. The
natural beauty of stone intrigues
and challenges me to bring out its
hidden qualities using the figure.
DomiCile: What inspires you
to create? How does that
inspiration show up in your
work?

In the mid to late 2000s, I was
active in the Women’s Caucus for
Art’s Greater Washington, D.C.
chapter as a way to jumpstart
my personal career as an artist
and curator. It was through my
involvement with the organization
that I met Michelle Fraizer, a local
sculptor who is now currently the
chapter’s president.
Michelle is a multi-talented
figurative sculptor who works
primarily in stone and ceramic.
Through her elegant and intriguing
work, she celebrates the female
form and explores emotions
such as sensuality, strength,
motherhood and everything in
between. Subject themes are
influenced by mythology, as
well as contemporary social
commentary.

Michelle’s passion for her chosen
medium of sculpture is best
described in her own words:

“Figurative sculpture has its
history in ancient artifacts and has
lengthy traditions in every culture.
It is the cornerstone of what has
led to the unique breadth of three
dimensional visual art of the 20th
and 21st centuries--that has been
either in reaction to the past or
has incorporated new materials
and concepts expressive of
contemporary vision.”
I was happy that Michelle agreed
to share her story with DomiCile.
DomiCile: How long have you
lived in the area?

Michelle: To be honest, it could
be anything. I am open to finding,
exploring and experiencing new
things every day. I take those
things and reflect on their impact
upon me and that provides
inspiration. There are a lot of
layers in my work, although with
stone it is difficult to see them
all. My pieces reflect a certain
transparency that is thought
provoking, quietly questioning and
observing, which is often at odds
with my screaming inner self. For
me, the inspiration is often hidden
in the details and its implications
are seen in my work.
DomiCile: What is the best thing
about being an artist in the D.C.
region?
Michelle: This is a very diverse
area which houses many styles
and views about art which we are
fortunate enough to have free
access to see and learn from. As
an instructor, I am able to bring
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